New York Film Critics Name 'La La Land' 2016's Best Film

La La Land is dancing all the way to the Oscars
'La La Land' is dancing all the way to the Oscars | © Summit Entertainment

La La Land has emerged as an early front-runner in the awards season, while Moonlight and Manchester by the Sea are also shaping up as top contenders.
The New York Film Critics Circle has voted La La Land the Best Film of 2016. The win gives the stardust-sprinkled romantic musical an enormous boost as the awards season continues to gather momentum. Its 12 nominations in the Critics Choice Awards also augur well for its Oscar chances.

Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone in ‘La La Land’

However, the New York critics only honored Damien Chazelle’s film in the top category. No single film dominated the group’s awards. Two movies — Moonlight and Manchester by the Sea —won three apiece.

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Barry Jenkins was named Best Director for Moonlight. The African-American drama also picked up awards for Mahershala Ali, voted Best Actor in a Supporting Role, and for James Laxton’s cinematography. Moonlight won four Gotham Awards earlier in the week.

Alex Hibbert in ‘Moonlight’

Manchester by the Sea earned its director Kenneth Lonergan the prize for Best Screenplay and Casey Affleck the award for Best Actor, repeating his win at the Gothams. His co-star Michelle Williams won the award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her performances in both Manchester by the Sea and Certain Women.

The New York critics also garlanded Isabelle Huppert for two performances. She was named Best Actress for her work in both Elle and Things to Come. Her win at the Gothams was solely for her work in Elle.

Maren Ade’s Toni Erdmann, Germany’s submission to the Academy Awards, was chosen as Best Foreign Language Film. Disney’s Zootopia, directed by Byron Howard and Rich Moore, won for Best Animated Film.

Trey Edward Shults’s Krisha and Kelly Fremon Craig’s The Edge of Seventeen tied in the Best First Film category and will each receive awards. Shults won the Bingham Ray Best Breakthrough Director Award at the Gothams.

Michelle Williams and Casey Affleck in ‘Manchester by the Sea’

Ezra Edelman’s O.J.: Made in America, another Gothams winner, was chosen as Best Documentary by the New York critics, but only after “a lively debate about the nature of documentary financing,” said chairman David Edelstein. The five-part, seven-hour O.J. Simpson documentary was made for ESPN but has been screened theatrically in New York and Los Angeles.

The New York Critics Circle will commemorate the restoration and 25th anniversary release of Julie Dash’s Daughters of the Dust with a special award.

Similarly honored will be Thelma Schoonmaker. One of American cinema’s greatest editors, she is best known for her long collaboration with Martin Scorsese. She will likely enter the Oscar frame once Scorsese’s Silence is released on December 23rd. The New York Film Critics Circle will hand out the awards at Tao Downtown, Manhattan, on January 3 — Ms. Schoonmaker’s 77th birthday.

Graham Fuller is a member of the New York Film Critics Circle

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